Mr. Voser, a former chief financial officer at engineering company ABB Ltd., and Mr. Franz, who previously ran Switzerland's flagship airline Swiss, are known as turnaround managers and both have strong track records.

The turnaround is a remarkable one for a man whose show soared to national and international fame during the George W Bush era, on the back of incessant ridicule of Republican policies and personalities.

For holding his team together under such circumstances and leading a turnaround from a 4-11-1 record in 2008, Lewis earned 20½ votes Saturday from a nationwide panel of 50 sports writers and broadcasters who cover the league.